What to do!

Where to go! Rainy days in the

Please Note anything with the symbol is dog friendly. Please check with venue for any conditions.

FUN FOR THE KIDS Beatrix Potter Museum, Bowness-on-, LA23 3BX. Tel: 015394 88444. Short Film, Mr Todd`s underground home, Peter Rabbit’s garden and much more. Shop and Tea Room - Approximate driving time 10 minutes. https://www.hop-skip-jump.com

The Fun Factory, Play Area, Windermere Quays, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3HE. Tel: 015394 45354. Approximate driving time 10 minutes. https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/the-fun-factory-bowness

Adventure Peaks, Climbing Wall and cafe LA22 0DH. Tel: 015394 33794 (Ext 4). Approximate driving time 20 minutes. https://www.amblesideadventure.co.uk/ambleside-wall/

Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Raines Hall Farm, Sedgwick LA8 0JH. Tel: 015395 61760. Indoor Puzzle Barn with soft play area & soft climbing wall. Sand pit, picnic area and pets corner + outdoor activities. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. http://www.lakelandmaze.co.uk/

Children’s Chocolate Factory – the Cocoa Bean company, Mainstreet, Hawkshead, LA22 0NT. Tel: 015394 36075. A unique and interactive experience for children that is truly unforgettable. Whilst you relax, children make delicious chocolate creations and best of all; everything they make is theirs to take home, including their apron and hair net! Approximate driving time 30 minutes https://www.chocolatefactoryhawkshead.co.uk/

Lakeland Climbing Wall, Lake District Business Park, LA9 6NH. Tel: 01539 721766. Award winning centre with the tallest indoor climbing wall in the country, incorporating Kendal CrazyClimb and Europe’s first indoor Via Ferrata. Fun for all the family. Free on-site parking, wifi, café and shop. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://www.kendalwall.co.uk/

Playzone, the Customs House, 1 Abbey Road, Barrow-in- LA14 5UF. Tel: 01229 823823. Indoor play area. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. http://1abbeyroad.co.uk/playzone

Wacky Warehouse, The Owl & Pussycat (Family pub) Hollywood Park, Hindpool Road, Barrow-in- Furness LA14 2NA. Tel: 01229 824334. Family pub and indoor play area. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. https://www.hungryhorse.co.uk/pubs/cumbria/owl-pussycat/

Rock Shop, North Road, Ambleside, LA22 9DT. Tel: 015394 31923. Three indoor attractions include dinosaur treasure hunt; make your own bracelets and jump into the gem pit. Approximate driving time 20 minutes http://www.rockshop.co.uk/

Puzzling Place, 9 Museum Square, Keswick, CA12 5DZ. Tel: 017687 75102. An interactive exhibition of optical illusions includes holograms, artwork and anti-gravity room. Visit the shop and puzzle area for free. Approximate driving time 50 minutes. http://www.puzzlingplace.co.uk/?redirect=false#1

FOR THE FAMILY MUSEUMS/HALLS AND HISTORICAL HOUSES. Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway, LA12 8AL (located on the A590 through .) Tel: 015395 31594. Locomotives, restaurant, gift shop, steam train. Approximate driving time 10 minutes https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/

Lakeland Motor Museum, Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, LA12 8TA. Tel: 015395 30400. Over 30,000 exhibits plus Campbell. Approximate driving time 10 minutes. https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/

Cliffhanger Rooms, The Stone Barn, Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, LA12 8PX. Tel: 0845 1630911 Series of themed ‘escape rooms’ with the aim of completing the game objective within 60 minutes. Teams of 2 to 6 people and for all ages. Approximate driving time 10 minutes. https://www.cliffhangerrooms.co.uk/

Blackwell, The Arts & Craft House, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JT Tel: 015394 46139. Spectacular restored historic house, art nouveaux, craft shop and tea room. Approximate driving time 10 minutes. https://www.blackwell.org.uk/

Townend, Troutbeck, Windermere LA23 1LB. Tel: 015394 32628. A 17th century Lakeland Yeoman farmer`s house in the Troutbeck Valley, untouched for 400 years. See how they lived and maybe help to make a rag rug. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/townend

Laurel & Hardy Museum, On Stage at the Roxy, Brogden Street, LA12 7AH. Tel: 01229 582292. Approximate driving time 20 minutes. http://www.laurel-and-hardy.co.uk/index.php

Kendal Museum (Natural History & Archaeology) Station Road, Kendal LA9 6BT. Tel: 01539 721374. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. http://www.kendalmuseum.org.uk/

Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel, Nr Grange-over-Sands LA11 7PL. Tel: 015395 58328. Beautiful house, restaurant, food hall, gift shop and gardens. (Open Wednesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays.) Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://www.holker.co.uk/

Levens Hall & Gardens, Levens, Kendal LA8 0PD. Tel: 015395 60669. (Closed Friday and Saturday.) House, gardens, cafe and an outdoor play area. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://www.levenshall.co.uk/

Dove Cottage, The Wordsworth Museum & Art Gallery, Grasmere, LA22 9SH. Tel: 015394 35544. Wordsworth`s home during his most creative period. Cottage guided tours, original manuscripts in the museum and contemporary art in the gallery. Tea room/restaurant. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://wordsworth.org.uk/

Brantwood House, Coniston, LA21 8AD. Tel: 015394 41396. The former home of John Ruskin. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. http://www.brantwood.org.uk/

The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2PW. Tel: 01229 876400. Free admission. Exhibitions and events. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. http://www.dockmuseum.org.uk/

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum, Threlkeld Nr Keswick CA12 4TT. Tel: 01768 779747. Underground tours. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. https://www.threlkeldquarryandminingmuseum.co.uk/

Keswick Pencil Museum, Southey Works, Keswick CA12 5NG. Tel: 017687 73626. Museum about the history of pencil making. See the longest coloured pencil made in Keswick. Exhibits/film reveals 170 years of pencil heritage. Approximate driving time 50 minutes. https://www.derwentart.com/en-gb/c/about/company/derwent-pencil-museum

Honister Slate Mine & Museum, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick CA12 5XN. Tel: 017687 77230. Underground tours – go deep in the underground into the Honister Slate Mine. Mainly on the flat. Suitable for all ages. Daily Tours at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm and 3.30pm. Pre-booking is essential during busy periods. Approximate driving time 1 hour 15 minutes. https://honister.com/

Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Colton, Ulverston, LA12 8AX. (Located 1.5 miles north of Newby Bridge off the A590.) Tel: 015395 31087. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stott-park-bobbin-mill/

Windermere Jetty, Rayrigg Road, Windermere, LA23 1BN (opening 23/3/19) A spectacular new museum on the shores of Windermere that showcases the sights, smells and sounds of life on the lake. Steam launches, sailing yachts, motor boats and record-breaking speed boats are exhibited in the boathouse, on the water, and in our exhibition galleries. Approximate driving time 15 minutes https://windermerejetty.org/

CASTLES Sizergh Castle and Sizergh Barn/Tearooms, Sizergh, Kendal, LA8 8EA. Tel: 015395 60951. Medieval house, cafe and an outdoor play area. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. http://www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk/

Muncaster Castle, Muncaster, Ravensglass CA18 1RD. Tel: 01229 717614. Castle, gardens, owl centre and meadow vole maze, cafe, shops and plant centre. Well known for the haunting experiences! Approximate driving time 1 hour. https://www.muncaster.co.uk/

Lancaster Castle, Castle Parade, Lancaster, LA1 1YJ. (The Castle is a Crown Court and a Prison which has just been closed down recently) and the Judges Lodgings Museum. Tel: 01524 64998. Visitors advised to check opening times by telephone due to the building still holding up to 2 court sessions daily. Approximate driving time 1 hour. http://www.lancastercastle.com/

Carlisle Castle, Castle Way, Carlisle, CA3 8UR. Exhibition, unique gift shop and close to Hadrian’s Wall. Approximate driving time 1 hour 20 minutes. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carlisle-castle/

TOURS/CRUISES Windermere Lake Cruises, leaving from Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3HQ, Ambleside, LA22 0ER and Lakeside, LA12 8AS. Tel: 015394 43360. Indoor and outdoor seating. Combine your cruise with a visit to the Aquarium at Lakeside and a trip on the Haverthwaite steam train. Family tickets available. Approximate driving time to Windermere 10 minutes. Ambleside 20 minutes. https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/

Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding Pier House, CU11 0US. Tel: 017684 82229. Approximate driving time 40 minutes. https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/

Coniston Launch, Boat Landings, Coniston, LA21 8AN. Tel: 01768 775753. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. https://www.conistonlaunch.co.uk/

The Mountain Goat (Mini bus trip) Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1AD. Tel: 015394 45161. Half day tour – Beatrix Potter`s Favourite Countryside, daily tours – 10 lakes spectacular to Ullswater + many more. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://www.mountain-goat.com/Lake-District/Windermere

ANIMALS/FISH Aquarium of the Lakes, Lakeside, Newby Bridge, LA12 8AS. Tel: 015395 30153. The UK‘s largest collection of fresh water fish, underwater tunnel featuring giant carp and diving ducks. British sharks, otters, harvest mice, voles etc. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://lakesaquarium.co.uk/?doing_wp_cron=1552666840.5955500602722167968750

South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Broughton Road, Dalton in Furness, LA15 8JR. Tel: 01229 466086. Indoor and outdoor animal houses. Feeding time with the animals. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. http://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/

Wild Life Oasis, Hale, Milnthorpe, LA7 7FE. Tel: 015395 63027. Meet the monkeys, reptiles and unusual species. Visitors are able to hold the reptiles at regular sessions. Indoor & outdoor animal houses and enclosures. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://wildlifeoasis.co.uk/

Greenlands Farm, Tewitfield, Carnforth LA6 1JH. Tel: 01524 784184. Open farm, soft play area, “Wellies” cafe along with farm shop, wine shop in the Ariston Village. Approximate driving time 45 minutes. https://www.greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk/

Lancaster Butterfly House, Williamson Park, Lancaster, LA1 1UX. Tel: 01524 33318. Live exotic butterflies fluttering amidst the rain forest housed in the former Palm House. Approximate driving time 1 hour. https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/williamson-park/butterfly-house

Old Hall Farm, Bouth, LA12 8JA. Tel: 01229 861993. Free children’s play barn. Lots under cover. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://oldhallfarmbouth.com/

VISITOR CENTRES Lake District Visitor Centre () Troutbeck, Windermere, LA23 1LJ. Tel: 015394 46601. Lakeside setting with adventure playground and gardens. Indoor exhibitions, educational and family cafe. Treetop Trek. Two treks from 5yrs and older and 7yrs and older. To book Tel: 015394 47186. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://www.brockhole.co.uk/

Rheged Centre, Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ. Tel: 01768 868000. Europe’s largest grass covered building. Indoor play area, exhibitions, giant 3D cinema screen and restaurant. Approximate driving time 1 hour. https://www.rheged.com/

Whinlatter Visitor Centre, Bassenthwaite, 017687 78469. Osprey Exhibition, live video screen and café. Approximate driving time 1 hour. https://www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter

BREWERY TOURS Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley Mill Yard, Back Lane, Kendal, LA8 9LR. Tel: 01539 822644. Brewery tours Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. http://www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk/

Jenning Brewery (Tours) Cockermouth, CA13 9NE. Tel: 01900 821011. Tours to see how Traditional Ales are still brewed and tested. Telephone to check the tour times. Approximate driving time 1 hour 15 minutes. https://www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk/

BUDDHIST TEMPLE Buddhist Temple, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, LA12 9QQ. Tel: 01229 584029. A Victorian Gothic mansion and unique Buddhist Temple. Fascination 1 hour guided tour. Peaceful gardens and woodland (for a sunny day,) gift shop and tea room (open weekends & Bank holidays). Approximate driving time 25 minutes. https://manjushri.org/

BOWLING Super Bowl, Central Drive, Morecambe, LA4 4DW. Tel: 01524 400974. Approximate driving time 1 hour. https://www.soulbowl-uk.com/

Cinema Royalty Cinema, Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3BJ. Tel: 015394 43364. Approximate driving time 10 minutes. http://windermere.nm-cinemas.co.uk/windermere/now/

Zeffirellis, Compston Rd, Ambleside, LA22 9AD. Tel: 015394 33845. Approximate driving time 20 minutes. https://www.zeffirellis.com/

Kendal Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE. Tel: 01539 795090. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/

Swimming The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge LA12 8NB. Non-resident’s leisure pass £10 adult, £5 child aged 3-16 For a maximum 3 hour use of the pool, sauna etc. Tel: 015395 31681. Approximate driving time 10 Minutes. https://www.swanhotel.com/

Choices Gym, Troutbeck Bridge LA23 1HP. Non-members’ day pass £10 adult, £4 child (under 16) Tel: 015394 47437. Approximate driving time 15 minutes. https://choiceshealthclubs.com/windermere/

Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal LA9 7HX. Tel: 01539 729777. Approximate driving time 30 minutes.

Keswick Leisure Pool, Station Road, Keswick, CA12 4NF. Tel: 01767 72060. Approximate driving time 1 hour.

SHOPPING TRIPS Kendal shopping Kendal is an Ancient Market Town with historic yards and a ruined Castle formally the home of Katherine Parr. Shopping areas include The Westmorland Centre, Blackhall Yard and many more. Visit the Old Chocolate Shop, the Leisure Centre and the Brewery Arts Centre (cinema). Have a coffee in the famous Farrer`s coffee shop or one of the many different varieties of tea. Approximate driving time 30 minutes. https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/south-lakeland/kendal

Ulverston shopping Ulverston is a small market town with cobbled street and a good outdoor market every Thursday. Small boutique shops, gifts, crafts and various cafes and pubs. Approximate driving time 20 minutes. http://www.discoverulverston.co.uk/shopping/

Carlisle shopping The Lanes Indoor Shopping Centre (70 top names inc. Debenhams, H & M, Faith, to name just a few.) Approximate driving time 1 hour 20 minutes. https://www.lanescarlisle.co.uk/

Have a good day......